The North Carolina Central football team appears to be rounding into form as the season’s first half winds down.
Norfolk State saw that up close and personal as the Eagles rolled to a 37-10 win in the 40th annual Circle City Classic at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Central improved to 3-2 on the season, as well as 1-0 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play. Norfolk State dropped to 2-4, 0-1 in MEAC action. Here are the takeaways from Saturday’s game.
Walker Harris loves Lucas Oil Stadium
What could Harris possibly have done for an encore after throwing for five touchdowns in last season’s 45-3 win over Mississippi Valley State in the CCC? Throw for four more. Harris threw touchdown passes to three different receivers – Sophomore Markell Quick had two exciting scoring receptions, and tight end Luke Bracey and receiver Chance Peterson also hauled in touchdowns.
Harris’ Circle City numbers over two seasons: 36 of 53, 508 yards, nine touchdowns, zero interceptions. If the Colts didn’t already have Anthony Richardson, maybe they could give him a call.
Central’s receiving core on the rise
Joaquin Davis came into the season as North Carolina Central’s standout wide receiver, but there’s some depth developing among the other wide receivers and tight ends.
Quick hauled in a 63-yard touchdown to start the game and, near the end of the third quarter, demonstrated incredible concentration to pull in a thrice-tipped pass in the back of the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown. Bracey is a reliable safety valve for Harris, while Peterson proved capable of stepping up as well.
Norfolk State’s inconsistency hurts them again
You never know which Norfolk State team will show up each week, and this week, the bad Spartans appeared at the worst possible time. The offense’s inability to move the ball put their defense in some bad spots and Central, being the MEAC preseason favorite that they are, took full advantage. It’s a long season, and NSU has two more games before their bye week, so it could get worse instead of better or better instead of worse. We’ll just have to keep watching each week to find out.
